Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 16: Like other parts of the country, 69th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm across Jammu region with Ministers unfurling National Flag at District Headquarters where main functions were organized by the administration.
Jammu: The main function was held at Mini-Stadium Parade where Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march past. He paid homage to the great leaders and freedom fighters who made immense sacrifices to liberate India from the colonial yoke and security forces and police personnel who laid down then lives for safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation. He also paid tributes to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee and said that he sacrificed his life for the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country.
Member Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, Legislators, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Dr Pawan Kotwal, Inspector General of Police Jammu Danish Rana, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Simrandeep Singh and other senior civil and police officers and large number of people were present.
Reiterating the commitment of the Government to ensure equitable development of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and provide accountable administration, the Deputy Chief Minister said weeding out corruption and infusing transparency remains the priority of the present dispensation. “It is neither an ideological nor political alliance but an alliance for good governance and development which aims to fulfill the aspirations of the people and strengthen the trust they have shown by giving a clear mandate”, he added.
Stating that various external forces are hell-bent to disturb the peace and tranquility in the State and destabilize the present regime, Dr Singh warned that all such nefarious designs will be thwarted and every effort will be made to reaffirm people’s faith in democracy.
Seeking the cooperation of the general public in strengthening the initiatives of the Government, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “we have to work together for the development of the State”.
Students from various educational institutions presented colourful cultural programmes based on patriotic theme on the occasion. Deputy Chief Minister also felicitated the winner of President’s Bravery Award Vivek Kumar who saved two precious lives.
Udhampur: Minister for Health and Medical Education, ARI and Trainings, Choudhary Lal Singh hoisted the National Flag at Government Degree College Boys, Udhampur and took salute at an impressive march past by 36 contingents drawn from CRPF, Police, Forest Protection Force, NCC, educational institutions besides police band from SKPA.
MoS Finance and IT, Pawan Kumar Gupta, MLA Chenani Dinanath Bhagat, MLA Ramnagar R S Pathania, Director SKPA, Rajesh Kumar, District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Surinder Gupta, SSP Suleman Choudhary, ADDC Arvind Sharma, ADC A S Rana, prominent citizens, students, locals, besides officers of civil, Army, paramilitary forces and police administration were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Choudhary Lal Singh recalled the great leaders including Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Bhagat Singh and Subash Chander Bose, who made supreme sacrifices for securing independence for the nation.
Asserting that the State is fully geared to fight evil designs of mischievous elements, he said that India wants to maintain friendly relations with all neighbouring countries including Pakistan. He appealed all political organizations to rise above party interests and strengthen the integrity of the State.
The Minister sought the support of masses to achieve the targets for overall development in the district as well as the State. He said coalition Government with its visionary approach would lead the State towards a new era of development.
Students of Government and private educational institutions presented a scintillating cultural programme depicting rich culture and conveying the message of patriotism and national integration. Later, the Minister distributed mementos among the best adjudged schools for presenting cultural programme and march past contingents.
Rajouri: Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar unfurled the National flag and took salute at the march past of contingents drawn from CRPF, J&K Armed Police, J&K Executive Police, Lady Police, J&K Forest Protection Force, Voluntary Home Guards, NCC, and students from various educational institutions at an impressive function held at District Police Lines here.
Among others present on the occasion were MLA Rajouri, Qamar Hussain Chaudhary, MLC, Vibodh Gupta, Vice Chairperson Pahari Advisory Board Kuldeep Raj Gupta, DIG Rajouri- Poonch Range Ashok Attri, District Development Commissioner Rajouri, Deepti Uppal, SSP Rajouri Haseeb Mughal and district officers from various departments and officials from civil, Army, CRPF, and police.
Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to revive talks with Pakistan, Akhtar said development in the Russian city of Ufa was a vindication of PDP’s viewpoint which constitutes one of the important aspects for its agenda for alliance with the BJP. He said that coalition Government led by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed believes that peace is very important for setting the developmental wheel into motion and it is putting every effort to ensure the same. He said that our Government wants to bring such development that cannot be reversed.
Enumerating various reforms brought in the education sector viz. merging of schools with lesser enrolment, screening of the degrees of ReTs, introduction of teacher-friendly transfer policy, Akhtar said a beginning towards change has been made and tangible results shall be accrued in the coming months.
On the occasion, students of various Government and private educational institutions presented scintillating cultural programme depicting rich culture, conveying the message of patriotism and national integration. At the function, Baseer ul Haq was honoured by district administration for bringing laurels to the State by qualifying the prestigious UPSC examination, five meritorious students along with Government employees were also given mementos by the chief guest.
Poonch: Minister for Public Works, Floriculture, Parks & Gardens, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari hoisted the National Flag at Sports Stadium Poonch here today and took salute at an impressive march past presented by the contingents of JKP, JKAP, NCC, Band of 93 Infantry Brigade, QRT Commandos and students of various educational institutions of the district.
Deputy Chairman, Legislative Council, Jahangir Hussain Mir, MLA Surankote, Choudhary Mohammad Akram, MLA Haveli, Shah Mohammad Tantray, MLC Yashpal Sharma, former legislators, Pir Mansoor Hussain and Choudhary Bashir Ahmed Naaz, Deputy Commissioner, Nisar Ahmad Wani, Senior Superintendent of Police, J S Johar, religious leaders, prominent citizens were present on the occasion.
Minister, in his address, called for maintaining communal harmony and taking forward developmental programmes in peaceful atmosphere. He said that several unique decisions were taken by the PDP-BJP Coalition Government immediately after assuming the office which includes earmarking separate budget for power sector aimed to ensure proper utilization of energy resources available in the State.
He said that Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed is personally taking interest in the development of far-flung, hilly and economically backward districts including Poonch district. He said a massive development plan is being implemented in district Poonch for improving the socio-economic condition of the people.
Bukhari also lauded communal harmony and brotherhood maintained by the people of Poonch and hoped that this pluralistic tradition will further flourish and thrive.
On the occasion, students of various educational institutions presented a colourful cultural programme which was highly appreciated by the jam-packed audience. Besides, District Information Centre Poonch presented a group song on the occasion highlighting the local culture. Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Shafiq Ahmed Choudhary was also honoured on the occasion.
Later, Minister distributed prizes among the best adjudged march past contingents and institutions for presenting cultural programme.
Reasi: Chering Dorjay, Minister of State for Cooperative (Independent Charge) and MoS Ladakh Affairs unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march past of contingents drawn from J&K Police, CRPF, NCC and educational institutions at an impressive function at Sports Stadium.
Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters, the Minster said that the nation owes gratitude to these great leaders who sacrificed their lives to secure freedom from foreign rule. He also paid tribute to the soldiers and security personnel who stand as the guardians to maintain peace and protect the sovereignty of the country.
He said that India is known for its unity amidst diversity of religion, region and culture, while exhorting “We have to strengthen the bonds of unity and brotherhood to take the State on the path of progress”, he added. He underlined the importance of sustained peace and amity in the State and called upon all the stakeholders to rise above the issues of caste and religion and focus on inclusive growth of one and all.
Earlier students of Government and private educational institutions presented a scintillating cultural programme depicting rich culture and conveying the message of patriotism and national integration.
Samba: The main function was held at Arazi Stadium where Minister of State for Information, Education and Culture, Priya Sethi, unfurled the tricolour and took salute at the march past from the contingents of JKP, ITBP, Ex-Servicemen, NCC and students from various schools.
Speaking on the occasion, Priya Sethi threw light on the initiatives of the Government for development of the State. She highlighted the new recruitment policy adopted for fast tracking the recruitment process. She said about Rs 400 crore have been earmarked for State roads and ration allotment under PDS system will be as per 2011 census.
The Minister called on public to avail benefits of Central Government schemes like Prime Minister Special Scholarship Scheme, Sukanya Samridhi Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana and other such schemes to assure the individual of a basic minimum income for himself and his dependents and to protect the individual from any uncertainties. She appealed all to make Swachh Bharat Mission a success.
Later, the Minister gave prizes and trophies to the performers and participants. Prizes to Parade Commander, belt forces troops, school march past troops were presented by MLAs Dr Manyal and Kuldeep Raj. DDC Samba gave prizes to meritorious students and best student players.
SSP Samba presented gallantry awards to ex-servicemen for displaying conspicuous gallantry, courage and devotion to duty of very high order.
Kathua: The main function was held at District Sports Stadium, Kathua where Minister for Industries & Commerce Chander Parkash hoisted the National Flag and took salute from mega parade comprising of contingents drawn from CRPF, District Police, Police Training School, N.C.C Boys and Girls, Forest Protection Force and tiny platoons from various Government and Private schools.
Addressing the gathering, Minister for Industries & Commerce recalled the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who laid down their lives in the freedom struggle and for independence. He also lauded the Army, Para Military forces for protecting the country. The Minister cautioned the people about communal forces who are trying to disturb communal harmony.
He said the present BJP-PDP coalition has common objective of good governance and development which is imperative for overall development of three regions viz, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
Earlier, District Information Centre, Kathua in the wee hours played Shahnai Vadan at DC office complex and SSP office.
The Minister gave away prizes and trophies to the top performers in the cultural events presented on the occasion.
Kishtwar: Minister for Social Welfare, Forest, Ecology and Environment, Bali Bhagat was chief guest and Minister of State for Public Works (R&B) and Revenue, Sunil Kumar Sharma was guest of honour in a major function held at District Headquarters.
Mr Bhagat, who is also chairman of the District Development Board of Kishtwar district hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the march past presented by the contingents of JKP, Forest Protection Force, CRPF, CISF, JKAP, Home Guard, NCC and students of various schools.
Felicitating the people on the auspicious occasion, Bali Bhagat recalled the contribution of great freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subash Chander Bose and highlighted the supreme sacrifices of numerous national heroes for securing independence for the nation.
He paid rich tributes to all those who sacrificed their lives for attaining the freedom. He also remembered the soldiers who martyred while guarding the sovereignty of the country from time to time. He exhorted upon the countrymen, especially the younger generation to work for the unity and integrity of the country and preserve the hard won independence by our forefathers. He also called for strengthening the bonds of mutual brotherhood and communal harmony to make the country more progressive and prosperous.
Bhagat called upon the inhabitants of Kishtwar to unite for thwarting the nefarious designs of elements inimical to peace and tranquillity. He said like other parts of India, Jammu and Kashmir has also a unique and diverse socio-religious fabric, adding that each one of us should contribute towards preserving the exemplary feature of unity in diversity for which India is known worldwide. He particularly appreciated the role of the people of Kishtwar in upholding the values of pluralism and religious tolerance.
A splendid colourful Cultural programme was also presented by the school children on the occasion depicting the diverse and unique cultural heritage of the Jammu and Kashmir State and India which kept the audience spell bound.
Ramban: Minister for Law, Justice, Parliamentary Affairs, Relief and Rehabilitation Syed Basharat Bukhari unfurled the National Flag at a colourful function at District Police Lines here and took salute at the march past from the contingents of JKP, CRPF, IRP, FPF, Military band and students of various schools. The parade was followed by a colourful cultural programme.
Among others present on the occasion were MLA Ramban, Neelam Kumar Langeh, District Development Commissioner Ramban, Farooq Shah Bukhari, SSP Ramban Randeep Kumar, and district officers from various departments and officials from civil, Army, CRPF, and police.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister recalled sacrifices of great leaders of the nation and freedom fighters who fought for independence from foreign rule.
Unveiling vision of the State Government in formulating various developmental projects and plans, the Minister said that the Government is focused on equitable development of all three regions of the State.
Later, a colourful cultural programme comprising patriotic and folk songs, dance, Skits, Gymnastic activities was presented.
The Minister besides appreciating the performances distributed prizes and mementoes among the participants. He also felicitated meritorious students who had shown excellence in academics and sports, and employees of different departments with outstanding performance were also felicitated.
Doda: Minister for Science and Technology and Animal Husbandry, Sajad Gani Lone unfurled the National Flag, inspected the guard of honour and took salute at the march past, in which contingents of CRPF, J&K Police, IR 5th Bn, NCC, FPF and school children participated.
Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters, the Minister said that the nation owes gratitude to these great leaders, who sacrificed their lives to secure freedom for the country.
Affirming that India is known for its unity amidst diversity of religion, region and culture, he said despite these diversities we all should strive hard to maintain communal harmony and take every possible step to ensure that the benefits of the development works percolate down to each and every strata of society.
On the occasion, a splendid colourful cultural programme was also presented by the school children, depicting the diverse and unique cultural heritage of the Jammu and Kashmir.
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